Notes from the June meeting with Fulham FC on catering
On Wednesday 11 June 2025 at 11am, the Fulham Supporters Trust (FST) met with Fulham FC via video conference.
The Club was represented by:
- Mark Harris Quinn (Sodexo catering, MHQ)
- Carmelo Mifsud, (Communications Director, CM)
- Jamie Nicholson (Head of Fan Engagement, JN)
- Nicola Walworth (Supporter Liaison Manager & Disability Liaison Officer, NW)
The FST were represented by:
- Simon Duke (Chair, SD)
- Tamara Dragadze (Board Member, TD)
HOW IT WORKS
This was the first of the smaller meetings we have agreed to have with the Club to explore in more detail some of the areas of activity, which should be of interest to our members. It is expected these meetings will provide deeper insight in to the way the Club operate and provide explanations for some of the more commonly asked questions.
We were joined at the meeting by MHQ who works for Sodexo, exclusively with Fulham FC. Sodexo is responsible for all catering at Craven Cottage.
MHQ gave an overview of the catering arrangements and some of the challenges faced on match days before moving on to address the questions raised by members.
CATERING OVERVIEW
With the Fulham Pier now open all year, Sodexo are also ultimately responsible for catering on match and non-match days. On match day different, smaller offerings are available to cater for the peaks, troughs and timings of matchday sales.
The uniqueness of our ground presents a number of operational challenges on match days. The JH stand has no running water for catering and the structure and listed status of the stand means no food can be stored above 65C. This severely restricts the hot food offering. There are limited cooking facilities in the Horseshoe outlets and with the exception of hot dogs, which can be prepared using a bain marie, hot food has to be prepared elsewhere in the ground and transported to the various outlets. The cooking facilities in the PE are slightly better than the HE meaning there is a wider offering such as chicken burgers. Space in the HE remains an issue. The lack of more substantial cooking facilities also means things like burgers are oven prepared rather than fried. There are also space and power supply issues across parts of the ground, which restrict the number of cooking facilities available. The lack of multiple ovens reduces the ability to provide different foods to cater for all religious and personal requirements. Obviously as kick off approaches and the ground fills up, movement of food becomes more challenging.
MHQ confirmed that there is a “tasting” ahead of each season and suggested to the Club FST representation might be useful for this year’s session which is scheduled for July.
Moving on to the provision of drinks, MHQ reported that stocking the various outlets is based on historic sales trends. The most common order is 2 pints of lager so this is where stocking requirements begin. There are the same space issues as faced with catering and therefore careful selection of higher selling items is required. There are restrictions on the alcohol content of drinks which can be sold. For example, no beer stronger than 5% is allowed.
With both food and drink offerings care needs to be taken that post match there are not considerable stocks left which have a short life.
Fulham FC have a drinks contract with Camden Ales, part of the InBev Group which gives them sole pouring rights across the stadium.
MHQ reported the average stay of fans is two hours on match days, main consumption is two pints of lager and compared to other PL clubs the spend per head at Fulham is low.
The meeting then moved on to consider the comments and issues raised by FST members.
THEMES (raised by more than one person)
Popularity of pre-match discounts (definitely moved people from pub to ground)
Noted by MHQ
Lack of quality veggie or vegan (eg burgers) options, particularly in horseshoe, also with carbon neutral benefit
See comments above re cooking restrictions
Lack of gluten-free options
There are gluten free offerings available at some outlets. MHQ will look to improve signage.
Very limited selection of bitters (Camden Ales, which they do offer seems very marmite, a distinctive taste that you love or hate)
See comments above re pouring rights. Current stocking is driven by historic volume of sales.
Current burgers are awful
MHQ accepted that outside the Riverside the burgers are not the best. This is mainly due to the need to oven cook, referenced above.
Could HT drinks etc be ordered by app and collected from specific point
Technology is being looked at which might provide some solutions to ordering but there still remain space constraints to lay drinks out for HT.
Congestion (queues) in horseshoe making it impossible to get anything at half-time
This is a long-standing issue with no immediate solution.
SPECIFICS
Could the better food in Riverside be accessed pre-match by other ticket-holders?
This is not possible due to licencing restrictions onground / stand capacity.
More walkabout sellers to ease queues
This is kept under constant review based on sale levels.
Hospitality drink queue very slow in Riverside and disappointing food quality (we believe this individual has already raised with the Club)
This should improve now the Riverside is fully operational.
Make signage say what is actually served at a particular outlet (eg cider is shown on all signage but not served in all outlets)
MHQ will review signage to make sure it is clear whatis stocked where.
Can sugar and stirrers in JH not be positioned outside men’s loos (not easy for women)
Again, a space issue but will be looked at.
Beer machine in HE often breaks down
This is to be removed and replaced by a traditional counter.
Ledges to put drinks down in HE
Will be looked at.
Lack of zero-alcohol options post-game in Riverside, eg for drivers
MHQ reported zero-alcohol options are available in the Riverside. He will check signage.
Insufficient hot drinks outlets in Riverside
Should improve now Riverside fully operational.
Cannot buy hot drinks at half time (JH stand?)
This is an issue related to the lack of running water referenced above and the short duration of half time.
Re-usable beer glasses regularly run out
This will be checked.
Willy’s pies are great
MHQ noted
Milk often runs out in JH. Can this not be on the counter where staff can see when supplies run out and replenish
Stocking will be looked at. Positioning could slowdown speed of serving.
Could at least one JH outlet stay open after match?
Licencing issue. MHQ suggested Club consider.
Beer glasses often poured ¾ full by inexperienced staff
With the Riverside now fully open the ratio of regular staff to agency should improve bringing greater consistency. MHQ will make sure beer pouring is emphasised in any training.
Very poor PE experience because of crowding from away supporters
MHQ noted.
Juice only available in kids’ boxes, not to buy separately
MHQ will look into why and ensure cartons are available.
Kids meal options in JH are very good
MHQ noted
Lots of quality crisp brands are gluten free, unlike Walkers, so stock them instead
MHQ will look in to.
Staff quality – lack of training?
Should improve, as already noted, with the ratio of staff to agency increasing.
SUMMARY
Overall, a useful session which went some way to explaining why catering at Craven Cottage can be problematical. MHQ ended by saying he was available at any time to hear of any concerns (or compliments) the FST may have.
Meeting closed 12 noon.
